Verizon subscribers can benefit from cheaper data this year. The network service provider will push out shared data plans beginning mid-2012. Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo gave an official statement about it.

Two months ago, a photo regarding Verizon’s new data plan leaked online. The tipster says it allows users to share data among multiple devices. The rumored family data plan has a set price. Every time a device is added, a $10 fee will be charged.

If there is one thing that’s keeping people from getting a smartphone, it’s data plans. Data charges go unnoticed at times and because they add up quickly, subscribers end up paying more than they bargained for. So when rumors of Verizon’s family data plan made headlines, many got excited about it. It’s a simple solution for people who want to prevent silly data costs.

Today, Verizon made the rumor official. In a press release, the company’s Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo announced the arrival of shared data plans by mid-2012. He gave no specific details on pricing and date of availability although everyone expects cheaper data from the most reliable 4G network. Everyone will be migrated to this new data plan but it will take weeks to complete.

So how does a shared data plan work? Basically, you start out with a standard data plan which you have to pay for every month. Separate devices can be added into the plan for $10 each. Regardless how much data you consume with all devices, your monthly charges will be the same. Current data plans provided by Verizon are limited to a few gigabytes every month. Anything in excess, you have to pay for.